Mode: Shadow Monarch is ready to activate.A translucent screen vibrated violently in the night air. Black cracks spread wildly from Kai’s chest, etching a burning, dark glow across his entire skin. An intense heat radiated from his chest and crept up his neck until it reached his temples.Before him, Darius knelt anxiously, clutching his trembling chest. Cold sweat drenched the giant’s temples. Kael Draven gasped for breath, spewing thick, black blood that soaked the cold asphalt beneath his feet. Not far away, General Barak roared in pain as his physical form began to fade and transform into a cloud of dark ash that scattered in the night breeze.The shadow soldiers surrounding them vanished one by one into black dust. The man in the black cloak standing high above the night sky clutched a red crystal tightly in his hand. A faint, sweet yet cold smile was etched on his face."Just one more step," whispered the man in the black robe, his voice calm yet brimming with triumph. "Once th

"Prove that you’re worthy of being the Shadow King!"Booom!A giant black sword slammed into the marble floor with immense destructive force. Stone debris was violently hurled into the air. Huge cracks spread rapidly right beneath Kai’s feet before he could even take a defensive stance.In a corner of the hall, sheltered from the dust, the old man in the royal robe stood calmly. His wrinkled fingers idly stroked his white beard as he observed the chaos, not a trace of worry on his face."Don't worry too much," the old man called out in a soft voice that cut through the roar of battle. "If you truly are the Shadow King, you won't die on this first floor."Kai snorted softly and shot a sharp glance toward his old master amid the swirling dust rising high into the air.“You’re really annoying,” Kai muttered as he wiped the corner of his mouth.The old man smiled faintly, his eyes sparkling as he recalled old memories. “Those same dry words. You said the same thing to me ten thousand year

"And if he returns..."Seraphina gazed at Kai with tear-filled eyes. Her voice was hoarse as she fought back the grief burning within her."Kai Ashborn will die forever."A piercing silence instantly enveloped the entire hall. Kai slowly lowered his gaze and stared at his palms, which had turned blue from a purple glow. These were the hands he had always used to fight, wield a sword, and protect the people he loved in the City of Arcadia.For the first time since entering this place, a profound fear slowly crept through his chest. If all of his memories from ten thousand years ago returned, would his current self simply vanish without a trace?The transparent screen flickered dimly in the air, still awaiting his decision.Unlock Primary Memory.Consequences cannot be undone.Kai clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white. The warmth of human blood flowing through his veins felt far more real than the shadows of past glory.He looked up and gazed straight into Seraphi

The second floor of the ruins was cold. Thick, black smoke crept over the damp basalt stones, shrouding the room's corners in an eerie twilight. There was no sound except for Kai’s heavy, irregular breathing.A few steps in front of him stood a figure clad in a pitch-black cloak. The figure showed no sign of breathing. Its chest did not rise and fall. But when the black hood lifted slightly, Kai saw a face he recognized all too well: his own. His own. The figure's eyes, however, were completely empty, like a bottomless well spewing forth darkness.The figure slowly raised its black sword, moving so smoothly that it didn't cause the slightest tremor in the air."To become the Shadow King," the figure's flat voice echoed coldly from beneath the hood, "you must kill yourself."Kai’s fingers turned white as he gripped his sword hilt so tightly that his knuckles trembled. Cold sweat dripped from his forehead and sizzled as it touched the stone floor.If this person is the true bearer of de

"Choose now."The cold voice echoed within Kai’s mind, radiating a dense vibration that made his chest feel tight.He slowly lowered his gaze and stared at the Shadow Core, which was floating and pulsing erratically in the center of his chest. A dark purple light gently burned his fingertips, creating a sensation of warmth mixed with pain that slowly crept through his veins.One choice would restore all of the Shadow King's memories, throne, and boundless power. However, that choice would erase his current self. The other choice was to destroy the core and free his soul but sacrifice everything he had fought for up to that moment.One thing was certain: Kai could not accept simply vanishing from the world.He looked up and swept his gaze over Seraphina, who stood not far in front of him."If I destroy this Shadow Core," Kai called out in a hoarse, trembling voice, "how many people will die out there?"Seraphina froze. She pressed her lips tightly together and averted her gaze to the c